Vote Medford 2007

DiGiantommaso: (Q1) Transparency of Decision-Making

The Education Act of 1993 stated that the Superintendent does the hiring not the School Committee. Due to this fact I made and passed a resolution that all the teacher finalists be interviewed in public by the School Committee. Our primary role is to make a policy and see that it's carried out. We do not micro-manage the school system.

DiGiantommaso: (Q2) Individualized Education for Above-Grade-Level Students

Teachers are trained to provide differentiated instruction so that students who display special gifts and talents can succeed and it's designed to meet the needs of all learners.

DiGiantommaso: (Q3) School Choice with Uniform Quality in Elementary Schools

Only highly qualified licensed certified teachers and staff are hired. Also Medford has low class size as compared to other communities.

DiGiantommaso: (Q4) Overcoming Financial Constraints

Medford has had large state and federal cutbacks. We don't charge fees for transportation and kindergarten. We receive public and private grants of over six million dollars.

DiGiantommaso: (Q5) Expansion of After-School Programs for All Students

Our primary responsibility is to fund the regular school day. We provide busing to Brooks students to attend after school programs at the Grace Church and the Boys and Girls Club. The McGlynn, Columbus and Roberts Schools have tuition based programs and also P.T.O. supported programs.

DiGiantommaso: (Q6) Arts Education: Funding, Staffing, Quality, Diversity

I have always strongly supported the Arts Programs. I believe that students who enroll in Art and Music programs attain higher academic scores and are less likely to drop out of school.

DiGiantommaso: (Q7) Fostering a Hate-Free, Supportive Environment

Medford has worked hard to group students in ways that allow for integration by school, by grade and by class. I will continue to work at acquiring a faculty and staff that is more representative of different cultures.

DiGiantommaso: (Q8) Leadership to Improve Quality of Education

I am very proud of our Senior Class 2007:

• 68% went to 4 year Colleges
• 25% went to 2 year Colleges
• 5% went into the Military

As a School Committee member I have worked hard to provide the resources to support our educational programs

DiGiantommaso: (Q9) Green Initiatives

The School Committee will work hard with staff, students, parents and vendors to improve our recycling policy.

DiGiantommaso: (Q10) Nutrition and Activity Against Obesity

The Health Department set up a school wellness plan that the School Committee approved.